Grand Prix of Bahrain – Race

The discussions over the Qualifying format ended without resolving the problem. “Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said Todt and Ecclestone refused to revert to the 2015 system despite teams’ wishes to do so.” [BBC]

After Quali, HAM was “called to the Bahrain stewards after appearing to break regulations by reversing his car in the pit lane at the end of Saturday’s qualifying session” but “officials decided not to impose a penalty ‘due to the fact that no clear instruction was given to the driver on where he should park the car after qualifying’.”

ALO keeping a close eye on “his” car on the grid, with VAN at the wheel 🙂

Niki Lauda expects it will be a 2 or 3 stop race; the 3rd tyre choice could mean some interesting strategies.

Sun is setting as the cars are prepared for the formation lap.

Teams begin to clear the grid

Looks like the top 14 bar SAI starting on supersoft; he’s on soft tyres

HAM leads everyone (except MAG) away on the formation lapROS had a bit of a problem getting away – did the car jump into anti-stall?
ROS moves back to his P2 position
Radio from VET – “not sure – I might have an engine failure”
Yes, lots of smoke from VET’s car
VET pulls off the track, close to a gap in the armco so they should be able to move his car quickly

Grid forms up
Gap in P3
PAL pulling into the pit lane

01/57: Both Mercedes cleanly off the line
ROS leads into Turn 1
HAM hit by BOT
Lots of damage visible on HAMs car
HAM falling back down the order
Radio from BOT – everything feels ok